Cela (ça) vs Ce

Cela (ça) vs Ce

You already know the difference between “C’est” and “il est”: HEREIn this lesson, we are going to see how to use “cela” or “ça” and “ce” to say ‘this’ or ‘it’. We are talking about the neutral “it”, when “it” refers to something specific we use the subjects “il” or “elle”.

“Cela” and “ça” are the same thing, some prefer to use “cela” in a formal way.

1. “Ce” with the verb to be (être):

We use “ce” for this, that, it or even a pronoun like he, she, they.

It is for me: c’est pour moi. It is (he is) my brother: c’est mon frère. They are my dogs: ce sont mes chiens. It is very difficult: c’est très difficile. Learning is important: Apprendre c’est important. That’s a good idea: c’est une bonne idée. Is this you? c’est toi? or est-ce toi?

So when the pronoun has a neutral meaning, we use ce or c’ before the verb to be. We also use “ce” before “devoir” and “pouvoir”

2. “Cela”, “ça” with any other verbs:

Who did this? Qui a fait cela? or qui a fait ça? It depends on what she says: ça (cela) dépend de ce qu’elle dit! It will hurt: ça va faire mal What is that? qu’est-ce que c’est que ça? Give her that: donne-lui ça! This could help me: ça peut m’aider!